Nutritional Composition of the Green Leaves of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Abstract

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) grain is often eaten worldwide as a healthy food, but consuming nutrient-rich quinoa leaves as a leafy green vegetable is uncommon. This study evaluated the potentiality of leafy green quinoa as a major source of protein, amino acids, and minerals in the human diet. Also, the study compared the nutrient content of quinoa leaves with those of amaranth and spinach leaves. The proximate analysis of quinoa dry leaves showed a higher amount (g/100 g dry weight) of protein (37.05) than amaranth (27.45) and spinach (30.00 g). Furthermore, a lower amount of carbohydrate (34.03) was found in quinoa leaves compared to amaranth (47.90) and spinach (43.78 g). A higher amount of essential amino acids was found in quinoa leaves relative to those of amaranth and spinach. The highest amounts (mg/100 g dry weight) of minerals in quinoa dry leaves were copper (1.12), manganese (26.49), and potassium (8769.00 mg), followed by moderate amounts of calcium (1535.00), phosphorus (405.62), sodium (15.12), and zinc (6.79 mg). Our findings suggest that quinoa leaves can be consumed as a green vegetable with an excellent source of nutrients. Therefore, we endorse the inclusion of quinoa in the leafy green vegetable group.

Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Components in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Greens: A Review

“…Proteins of green leaves of quinoa are high in lysine (1.9 g), methionine (0.6 g), and threonine (1.5 g 100 g −1 protein) [12]; these are the limiting amino acids in conventional cereals, for example, wheat and maize [46].…”

“…Quinoa grains are also an excellent source of dietary fiber with 78% insoluble and 22% soluble fiber [8,51,52]. A moderate level of fiber in quinoa leaves, which is close to spinach, contributes to the overall nutritional value [12].…”

“…Researchers have recently reported that quinoa leaves contain high quantities of protein and all amino acids necessary for humans and low quantities of carbohydrates. Quinoa leaves also contain high levels of potassium, manganese, and copper and moderate levels of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc [10][11][12]. One of the species of genus Chenopodium, Chenopodium album, a close relative of quinoa, is a common weed known as "lamb's quarters".…”

Future of Sustainable Agriculture in Saline Environments

“…The quinoa plant can be used as a leafy vegetable (El-Naggar et al, 2018) as well as an alternative fodder for farm animals (van Schooten and Pinxterhuis, 2003). Quinoa leaves contains more protein than amaranth, spinach and moringa (Pathan et al, 2019), which makes it excellent vegetable and fodder. Tall plants will be better for both vegetable and fodder purposes as greater biomass can be expected for these.…”

Virus-Mediated Transient Expression Techniques Enable Functional Genomics Studies and Modulations of Betalain Biosynthesis and Plant Height in Quinoa

“…), an annual protein-rich pseudocereal with excellent nutritional properties and an ability to tolerate the stressful environments typical of the Andean region of South America. The seeds and leaves of quinoa contain a wide variety of minerals, vitamins, fats, dietary fiber, natural antioxidants, and high-quality proteins composed of high levels of essential amino acids ( Vega-Gálvez et al, 2010 ; Nowak et al, 2016 ; Pathan et al, 2019 ; Rodríguez et al, 2020 ). Furthermore, quinoa can tolerate a wide spectrum of abiotic stresses such as drought, high salinity, frost, and low temperatures, making it a highly sustainable crop ( Jacobsen et al, 2005 ; Hariadi et al, 2011 ; Yasui et al, 2016 ; Mizuno et al, 2020 ).…”